Getting to know the Minor Arcana cards

There are seventy-eight cards in a Tarot deck, divided into three sections:

• Forty cards in the Minor Arcana series, divided into four suites
• Sixteen cards in the Court Card series, divided into four suites
• Twenty-two cards in the Major Arcana series.

 
 The suites of the Minor Arcana relate to the four classical Greek Elements – Earth, Air, Fire and Water - and their symbolism. In Tarot, the Elements show different states of awareness and different ways of relating to the world. 

• The element of Fire shows activity, energy, and things happening in the present. It corresponds to the suite of Wands.  
• The element of Water shows love and emotions.  It corresponds to the suite of Cups.
• The element of Air shows thought and mental activity.  It corresponds to the suite of Swords.
• The element of Earth shows money and resources.  It corresponds to the suite of Pentacles.

 
Tarot Journal Exercise
 
Each suite of cards shows a journey from start to finish. Lay each suite out from Ace to 10 and familiarise yourself with the images and the journey they depict.
 
Now, make three piles of cards. Don’t overthink it, just go with your first impression. 

• The first pile is for any card you immediately feel drawn to.
• The second pile is for any card you immediately dislike.
• The third pile are for the rest of the cards. If you can’t decide if you like or dislike a card, place it in the third pile.

 
In your Tarot journal make a note of the cards in the first and second piles. Again, don’t overthink it. Just go with your first impression.

Go to next lesson 201.01 The Aces of the Minor Arcana

Go back to last lesson 101.XX

Although your goals may seem distant, you are on the right track with the 7 of Pentacles so don’t give up. Like all the Pentacles cards, any gain is long term, following traditional paths. There is no immediate gratification to be had. Focus on simple pleasures and spend time in nature. This is also a good time to declutter and organise your space.

The 6 of Swords shows assistance in moving away from difficulties, the chance to regain your peace of mind and equilibrium after a difficult time. Some things can’t be resolved, only left behind. A new start is possible now.  

​In the 10 of Pentacles, we see a life well-lived. Emotional, spiritual and financial wealth are all present. You perceive the true value of wealth – the means to provide security and happiness for those you love and those who will come after you.

​The 9 of Pentacles is a great card to see in a reading. It shows a balance between spiritual and material success and happiness. You have worked hard to achieve your success, so let yourself enjoy it. More success is yet to come.

If the 8 of Pentacles is drawn regarding a potential suitor, you need to allow time for the other to open up and get to know you. Don’t push them away by asking for too much, too soon. 

​When the 6 of Pentacles comes up in a reading, it can indicate charity being given or received.  You are either the giver or recipient of good fortune. Either way, it’s a blessing and a gift freely given. Now is the time to go after what you want, as things will flow more easily with the energy of the 6 of Pentacles available to you.  You have the chance to consolidate yourself financially and create stability in your life generally. 

When the 5 of Pentacles appears in a love reading, there are irreconcilable differences at hand. In the material realm, there is financial loss or setbacks. You may no longer be self-reliant and have to rely on others while you endure sickness or hardship. This is not the time to take a risk or a gamble. 

When the 4 of Pentacles is drawn, you are advised to pay attention to your  financial affairs, to conserve your funds and budget wisely. Don’t indulge in discretionary spending at this time.  Frugality and caution are essential right now.  

​With the 3 of pentacles You are building a solid foundation for the future. With help or advice, you can create an income or resource that will continue to increase, maybe through education, your own business endeavour etc.  Teamwork and learning/improving your skills will reap rewards now.